WWE is facing yet another injury setback, as reports suggest Apollo Crews sustained an injury during his match against Johnny Gargano on last Friday’s WWE SmackDown. This news comes on the heels of Dakota Kai’s concussion and JD McDonagh’s hospitalization after their respective matches on Raw.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, Crews appeared to be nursing a shoulder issue after the match. While the exact severity of the injury remains unknown, the incident has sparked criticism about WWE’s handling of in-match injuries. Alvarez questioned why injured wrestlers like Crews, Kai, and McDonagh are allowed to finish their matches instead of being pulled out for immediate medical attention.
Co-host Dave Meltzer chimed in, noting that WWE does have ringside doctors with the authority to stop matches, but they almost never exercise that power. Meltzer speculated that such a call could cause backstage friction, though he didn’t clarify whether the “hell to pay” would come from Triple H or another decision-maker.
Crews, a WWE veteran since 2015, has quietly built a solid career despite rarely being in the main event spotlight. A former WWE Intercontinental Champion and United States Champion, he also received critical acclaim for his work during his return to NXT, where he delivered standout matches against stars like Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes.
With three injuries in just a few days, WWE may be forced to address how it manages injuries during matches, particularly as the road to WrestleMania heats up. Fans will be hoping for updates on Crews’ condition—and for WWE’s medical protocols to step up when needed most.